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Keleynikov M, Cohen N, Benatov J. Maternal distress during the COVID-19 outbreak: A socio-ecological perspective. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302266. [PMID: 38701039 PMCID: PMC11068201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mothers faced an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other populations. However, there is little data on the factors that placed mothers at increased risk of distress. AIMS The present study explored a range of individual, familial, and environmental factors associated with psychological distress in mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD This repeated cross-sectional study was composed of a convenience sample of mothers who completed an online survey that included a demographic questionnaire, an emotion regulation questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale. The survey was administered during the second and third lockdowns in Israel in 2020-2021. RESULTS The study included 575 mothers (M age = 39). The findings of a hierarchical regression indicated that individual-level factors, composed of age and emotion regulation tendencies predicted psychological distress. The family-level factors of household income and number of children in the family also predicted distress. In terms of environmental-level factors, COVID-19-related media consumption and school status (open or closed) were also significant predictors of psychological distress. Importantly, the results showed that the most important predictors of psychological distress in mothers during the COVID-19 outbreak were school closures, household income, and the use of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the intersection of individual, familial, and environmental factors in mothers' mental health during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor Keleynikov
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noga Cohen
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Joy Benatov
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Maughan AL, Lunsky Y, Lake J, Mills JS, Fung K, Steel L, Weiss JA. Parent, child, and family outcomes following Acceptance And Commitment Therapy for parents of autistic children: A randomized controlled trial. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:367-380. [PMID: 37165863 PMCID: PMC10851654 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231172241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Parents of autistic children commonly experience difficulties with their own mental health. This study looked at the effects of a brief group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program, developed for parents of autistic children, youth, and adults. ACT focuses on increasing psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be mindful and accepting of difficult thoughts and experiences, shown to be important for mental wellness. Participants included 54 parents of autistic people, ages 3-34. Parents were randomly divided into two groups: a Treatment group that received the intervention right away, and a Waitlist group that completed the program after the Treatment group completed the trial. All parents filled out questionnaires right before the program began, and at 3, 7, and 17 weeks after randomization. Compared to the group that was waiting to participate in the program, parents in the Treatment group reported greater improvements in depression and family distress, and these improvements were still present 4 months later. Parents in the Treatment group also reported short-term improvements in their positive feelings and personal goals, compared to those waiting. Results showed that ACT may help improve some aspects of mental health for parents of autistic children, but further research is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Lee Steel
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
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Bodde AE, Helsel BC, Hastert M, Suire KB, Washburn RA, Donnelly JE, Ptomey LT. The prevalence of obesity and lifestyle behaviors of parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disabil Health J 2022:101430. [PMID: 36604240 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity and poorer weight management behaviors compared to the general population. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of overweight/obesity and related socioeconomic and lifestyle factors including diet quality, physical activity, and reported health habits in parents of youth with IDD. METHODS We assessed: BMI (kg/m2), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), parental diet and physical activity habits, and socioeconomic characteristics. Associations of BMI on MVPA and FVI were assessed with Spearman's correlation; differences in BMI by parental diet and physical activity habits were assessed with Kruskall-Wallis tests; and the relationships of BMI to household income, race, and education were assessed with Kendall Tau-b and Mann Whitney U tests. RESULTS Data was obtained from 110 parents (97.3% female) who were study partners for their adolescents/young adults with IDD participating in a weight loss clinical trial. Approximately 81% of parents were overweight or obese (25.7% overweight, 55.1% obese), with 46.3% and 20% meeting the recommended U.S. guidelines for MVPA and FVI, respectively. Higher FVI and higher income were significantly associated with lower parent BMI. BMI was significantly lower in parents who reported to be physically active and choose healthy food. CONCLUSION We observed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, low FVI and low levels of MVPA in parents of adolescents with IDD. These observations suggest that interventions designed to address these factors have the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of both parents and adolescents with IDD. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER NCT02561754.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Bodde
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Brian C Helsel
- Department of Neurology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Mary Hastert
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA; Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kameron B Suire
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Richard A Washburn
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joseph E Donnelly
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Lauren T Ptomey
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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Habayeb S, Al-Harahsheh S, Ratto A, Verbalis A, Pugliese C, Nadwodny N, Al-Meer F, El-Akoum M. Meeting the needs of autistic adults in Qatar: Stakeholder perspectives on gaps in services and priorities for future programming. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:88-100. [PMID: 34092121 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211020623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Qatar is expanding the services that it offers for autistic people, but these services focus mainly on diagnosing and treating young children. Because there are not enough autism providers in Qatar and few opportunities for autistic youth to participate in the community, more and more autistic teens and young adults have unmet needs during their transition to adulthood. The goal of this study was to conduct a needs assessment of transition-age autistic youth in Qatar and their families in order to inform the development of an adult respite care and support center. Respite care is a service that provides families with stress relief and time to participate in activities that are more difficult to do when their loved one with a disability is with them. The objective of this study was to use family and stakeholder input to identify the needs and preferences for respite care for autistic youth in Qatar. The project was conducted with a local research team in Qatar and a team of clinical researchers in the United States specializing in autism. Stakeholders, including parents of autistic people and providers working with individuals with autism, completed surveys and participated in focus groups. Families and providers in Qatar were very interested increasing services for young adults with autism to improve quality of life, although wanted to make sure the service providers would be reliable and trustworthy. Implications from this study may substantially improve the lives of autistic adults in Qatar.
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IDTWO: A Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Mental Health Intervention for Australians with Intellectual Disability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052473. [PMID: 33802311 PMCID: PMC7967603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
People with intellectual disability (ID) experience higher rates of mental illness and reduced access to appropriate care and treatment. Tailored electronic mental health (eMH) programs offer opportunities to address these disparities. The aim of this study is to examine whether a fully automated and self-guided eMH program tailored to the needs of people with ID can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve daily functioning in people with borderline-to-mild ID. Australians with borderline-to-mild ID, aged 16 years and older with mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be eligible to participate with the help of a nominated carer, if necessary. A randomised controlled trial with a sample size of 150 participants divided into treatment and waitlist control arms will be conducted. Participants randomised to the intervention group will have full access to the Healthy Mind program for eight weeks. The waitlist control group will gain full access to the program following the eight-week treatment period. Efficacy will be assessed on the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale; Kessler-10; and the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 across three time-points (baseline, eight weeks, and three months). We expect that people who use the intervention will report reduced depression and anxiety, relative to the control group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effectiveness of a fully automated eMH program for improving mental health in people with ID. We expect our study to render new knowledge on the delivery and effects of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) tools for people with ID.
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Wisner-Carlson R, Uram S, Flis T. The Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2020; 43:673-686. [PMID: 33127001 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The transition to adulthood for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is difficult and outcomes are suboptimal. Social cognition deficits and executive dysfunction continue to be barriers to young people's success, lack of societal acceptance and loss of previous support can exacerbate the condition, and mental health issues increase. All areas of adult functioning are affected. To help manage the transition and improve outcomes for this population, psychiatrists and other health care providers need to be aware of the issues and possible interventions, including social skills training, educational transition programs, and supported employment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wisner-Carlson
- Neuropsychiatry Outpatient Program, Adult Developmental Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Adult Inpatient Intellectual Disability and Autism Unit, Sheppard Pratt Autism Registry, Ethics Committee, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA.
| | - Sara Uram
- Adult Developmental Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA
| | - Thomas Flis
- Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA
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7
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Malapela RG, Thupayagale-Tshweneagae G, Mashalla Y. Transition of adolescents with intellectual disability from schools for learners with special educational needs: Parents views for the preparedness. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2020; 33:1440-1447. [PMID: 32539238 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on preparedness of parents of adolescents living with intellectual disabilities transitioning from school to adulthood are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explored views of parents on their preparedness to handle adolescents transitioning from special schools to adulthood. METHODS Descriptive qualitative method was used to collect views of parents of adolescents with intellectual disability on their preparedness to handle transition of their children from school into community life. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS Twelve female and two male participants expressed concerns on lack of transition plans, adolescent's future, culture and beliefs and inadequate community support. Views of parents of younger children and those of parents of older children were similar. CONCLUSION Parents were unprepared for transition of their children from school to community life. Multidisciplinary approach including family involvement and community support is necessary to enhance the transition of adolescents with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yohana Mashalla
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Wisner-Carlson R, Uram S, Flis T. The Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2020; 29:345-358. [PMID: 32169266 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The transition to adulthood for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is difficult and outcomes are suboptimal. Social cognition deficits and executive dysfunction continue to be barriers to young people's success, lack of societal acceptance and loss of previous support can exacerbate the condition, and mental health issues increase. All areas of adult functioning are affected. To help manage the transition and improve outcomes for this population, psychiatrists and other health care providers need to be aware of the issues and possible interventions, including social skills training, educational transition programs, and supported employment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wisner-Carlson
- Neuropsychiatry Outpatient Program, Adult Developmental Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Adult Inpatient Intellectual Disability and Autism Unit, Sheppard Pratt Autism Registry, Ethics Committee, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA.
| | - Sara Uram
- Adult Developmental Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA
| | - Thomas Flis
- Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA
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9
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Franklin MS, Beyer LN, Brotkin SM, Maslow GR, Pollock MD, Docherty SL. Health Care Transition for Adolescent and Young Adults with Intellectual Disability: Views from the Parents. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 47:148-158. [PMID: 31152999 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored the health care transition (HCT) experiences of parents of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with intellectual disability (ID), 18-33 years of age, including barriers and facilitators to the AYA's transition to adulthood within and between the medical, educational, community, and vocational systems. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured individual interviews with 16 parent participants was used. Purposive sampling of parents was utilized with variation on race/ethnicity and AYA age, stage in transition, and condition. This study was conducted through a major medical center in the southeast United States. Content analysis was utilized. RESULTS Three overarching themes represented the factors and essence of supporting AYAs with ID transition to adulthood. Inefficient and siloed systems illuminated barriers families are commonly experiencing within and between the medical, educational, community, and vocational systems. 'Left out here floundering' in adulthood, described the continued inadequacy of resources within each of these systems and parent's having to find available resources themselves. Hope despite uncertainty, included the perceived costs and benefits of their AYA's disability and the value of parent peer support in providing key knowledge of resources, strategies, and perspectives. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illuminate the need for improved infrastructure to provide effective HCT and partnerships to help integrate HCT support within other life course systems. Results support the rationale for non-categorical HCT-focused approach. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A parent peer coach-facilitated intervention offers promise for bridging the gap between systems and meeting family needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gary R Maslow
- Duke University Health System, United States of America
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Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:32. [PMID: 30903399 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Few studies have examined disparities in autism services and functional outcomes over the life course. Transition to adulthood is an especially important developmental period, as it sets up trajectories of adult functioning. This systematic review summarizes patterns of service use and transition outcomes according to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics over the transition to adulthood. RECENT FINDINGS Forty studies were included. Low-income and racial/ethnic minority youth on the autism spectrum were less likely to participate in transition planning meetings, enroll in postsecondary education, find competitive employment after high school, live independently, participate in social activities, and receive health care transition services than their White and higher income peers on the autism spectrum. Racial/ethnic minority and low-income youth on the autism spectrum were more likely to be disconnected from educational, occupational, and social activities upon entering adulthood. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these disparities as a first step to addressing them.
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Baptista J, Sampaio A, Fachada I, Osório A, Mesquita AR, Garayzabal E, Duque F, Oliveira G, Soares I. Maternal Interactive Behaviours in Parenting Children with Williams Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Relations with Emotional/Behavioural Problems. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 49:216-226. [PMID: 30143949 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study compared maternal responsiveness to children with two neurodevelopmental disorders sharing different but, in some cases, overlapping social phenotypes-Williams syndrome (WS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-and explored the relations between maternal responsiveness and child emotional/behavioural problems (EBP). The sample included 16 pre-schoolers with WS and 43 with ASD, and their mothers. Responsiveness was assessed during a mother-child interaction task. Mothers completed the CBCL 1½-5, providing a measure of EBP. No significant differences emerged between groups, and most dyads were characterized by less responsive behaviours. Maternal responsiveness proved related to child developmental age, but not with EBP. These results provide further insight into the rearing environment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for early relationship-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Baptista
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Adriana Sampaio
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Fachada
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Osório
- Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana R Mesquita
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Elena Garayzabal
- Department of Linguistics, University Autónoma of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Frederico Duque
- Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center and Centro de Investigação e Formação Clinica, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,University Clinic of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guiomar Oliveira
- Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center and Centro de Investigação e Formação Clinica, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,University Clinic of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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Young-Southward G, Cooper SA, Philo C. Health and wellbeing during transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 70:94-103. [PMID: 28918309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transition to adulthood may have negative consequences for health and wellbeing in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), but this aspect of transition has received little investigation. This qualitative study aimed to explore the transition experiences of individuals with ID from their own perspectives, and from that of their parents, in order to identify health or wellbeing implications of transition. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 young people with mild, moderate and severe ID aged 16-27 years and with 23 parents of young people with mild, moderate, severe and profound ID aged 16-26 years. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, deploying both emic and etic coding categories. RESULTS This study provides direct insights into the issues on health and wellbeing that young people with ID and their parents find important during transition. The primary health implication of transition centred on mental health and wellbeing; young people experienced heightened anxiety during transition, and themes identified as contributing to anxiety included: a lack of meaningful activity following school exit; inadequate support during transition; and difficulties associated with 'growing up'. Problem behaviours and obesity were also implicated. CONCLUSION The transition from school needs to be better supported in order to ease anxiety for young people during this difficult period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Philo
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Zwicker J, Zaresani A, Emery JCH. Describing heterogeneity of unmet needs among adults with a developmental disability: An examination of the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 65:1-11. [PMID: 28412577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Canada has committed to protect the rights and dignity of persons with developmental disabilities (DD), which means that labour markets, education, and training opportunities should be inclusive and accessible. PURPOSE Describe the unmet employment, education and daily needs of adults with DD, with a sub analysis of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada, to inform efficient and equitable policy development. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Secondary analysis of 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability was used to study a sample including working age (15-64 years old) individuals with self-reported DD, CP and ASD. Persons with DD reported on their met and unmet needs in term of activities of daily living, education and employment. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Labour force participation is the lowest for those with DD compared to any other disability. Individuals with CP and ASD report a high level of unmet needs that differ in terms of educational, vocational and daily living supports. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Improving labour force participation to be inclusive and accessible requires policy that considers the range of unmet needs that exist for persons with DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zwicker
- University of Calgary, School of Public Policy, Canada; University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology, Canada.
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